According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 21,000 people
were treated in hospitals, doctors' offices, clinics, ambulatory surgery centers,
and hospital emergency rooms for tennis-related injuries in 2007.

Planning for Your Environment

Try to avoid playing on hard surface courts with no "give," such as cement, asphalt,
or synthetic courts. To prevent lower back injuries when playing tennis on hard surface
courts, wear heel inserts to absorb the shock.

Always take time to warm up and stretch. Research studies have shown that cold muscles
are more prone to injury. Warm up with jumping jacks, stationary cycling or running
or walking in place for 3 to 5 minutes. Then slowly and gently stretch, holding each
stretch for 30 seconds.

Be knowledgeable about first aid and be able to administer it for minor injuries,
such as facial cuts, bruises, or minor tendonitis, strains, or sprains.

Be prepared for emergency situations and have a plan to reach medical personnel to
treat injuries such as concussions, dislocations, elbow contusions, wrist or finger
sprains, and fractures.

AAOS does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products, or physicians referenced
herein. This information is provided as an educational service and is not intended
to serve as medical advice. Anyone seeking specific orthopaedic advice or assistance
should consult his or her orthopaedic surgeon, or locate one in your area through
the AAOS "Find an Orthopaedist" program on this website.